Coexisting Nonlinear States in the Dual-Frequency Driven Polarization-Managed Kerr Resonator

Temporal cavity solitons (CSs) belong to the general class of dissipative optical solitons that form in coherently driven passive Kerr resonators, acting as self-reinforcing solitary wave solutions in nonlinear optical systems. They are the temporal counterparts of the Kerr optical frequency combs (OFCs), which consist of equidistant laser lines in the broadband spectra. In addition to extensively studied soliton frequency combs, OFCs also serve as the frequency counterparts of various spatial-temporal dissipative structures, including Turing patterns, chaotic states, and breathing solitons (breathers). The ability to coexist of multiple nonlinear structures presents unique advantages across diverse applications, making it a major area of research to achieve the coexistence of nonlinear states within a single Kerr resonator. Traditionally, distinct nonlinear states in Kerr resonators do not coexist simultaneously due to differing excitation requirements. To address this issue, manipulating the polarization dimension in the dual-frequency driven resonator is proposed to enhance Kerr optical system flexibility and freedom. This study investigates a polarization-managed nonlinear optical system, comprising the polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), single-mode fiber (SMF), and a polarization controller (PC). Under single-frequency driving, polarization-switchable temporal CSs on two orthogonal polarizations are realized. Conversely, dual-frequency driving demonstrates the generation of various homogeneous and heterogeneous nonlinear coexisting states. The research enriches the understanding of polarization-multiplexed OFCs and offers a novel platform for high-capacity, high-rate fiber communication systems, with potential applications in optical signal processing and sensing.